Bored dogs are more likely to develop problem behaviors like excessive chewing, barking, or digging.1
But the great news is that providing mental stimulation can help reduce anxiety and compulsive disorders in our furry friends. Recent studies even suggest that engaging with dogs through play may boost relaxation and focus in humans too.2
Ready to banish boredom and strengthen your bond? Here are 18 science-backed ways to enrich your dog’s life.
1. Play Hide & Seek
One great way to challenge your dog’s problem solving skills is with a game of hide and seek. Have your dog wait while you hide treats around the house, then give the cue to “find it!”
Searching for the hidden goodies engages their natural foraging instincts.
2. Teach New Tricks
Learning a new trick requires a lot of mental focus from your pup. Dogs can learn an impressive array of behaviors, from the classic “roll over” to more advanced tricks like closing doors or being shy on cue.
Training sessions are a great bonding activity too.
3. Use Interactive Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys that dispense treats are an easy way to make your dog work for their food. Look for toys where they have to figure out how to access hidden compartments.
Start simple and gradually increase the difficulty level to really give their brain a workout.
4. Go on Sniffing Walks
A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours.(ref) Let your pup take the lead on walks and give them plenty of opportunities to sniff. Processing all those scents is great mental enrichment.
5. Play the Shell Game
Place treats under plastic cups and shuffle them around, having your dog try to track which cup the treat is under. This classic carnival game translates well to dogs and really makes them think.
6. Work on Impulse Control
Practicing commands like “leave it” and “stay” in gradually more distracting situations helps strengthen your dog’s ability to control their impulses. A dog with good self-control is a smart dog indeed.
7. Introduce Problem Solving
Set up simple obstacles, like a box with treats inside that your dog has to figure out how to knock over. Allowing your dog to work through problems on their own builds confidence and encourages creative thinking.
8. Rotate Their Toys
Dogs get bored of the same old toys, so keep a stash hidden away. Every week, swap out a few toys to make everything feel new and exciting again. They’ll stay more engaged with their toy collection.
9. Play “Which Hand”
Hold treats in your closed hands and have your dog guess which hand the goodie is in. They’ll have to use their nose and their noggin to puzzle it out. Make it trickier by mixing up your hands quickly.
10. Name Their Toys
Dogs can learn the names of specific toys and retrieve them on command. Start by playing with one toy at a time, saying its name repeatedly. Once they’ve got it, add in more named toys to the mix.
11. Make Them Work for Treats
Instead of just handing over a biscuit, have your dog perform a trick first. Even something simple like sitting pretty or giving a paw will activate their brain more than just receiving a freebie.
12. Try Scent Games
Tap into your dog’s amazing sense of smell with nose work games. Hide treats or toys around the house or yard and encourage them to sniff them out.
You can even sign up for scent work classes.
13. Teach the Names of Family Members
Dogs can learn to identify people by name and look at the correct family member when you say “Where’s Grandma?” or “Go find Dad”. It’s a fun way to impress guests with your pup’s skills.
14. Practice “Doggy Pushups”
Have your dog sit, then lie down, then sit again. Start slowly and gradually speed up the position changes for a real mental and physical workout. Three reps of doggy pushups earns a treat!
15. Build an Obstacle Course
Set up a mini agility course in your living room using pillows, blankets, and hula hoops. Lead your dog through, encouraging them to jump over, crawl under, and weave around the obstacles.
16. Teach Them to Tidy Up
Dogs can learn to put their toys away into a designated basket. Make it into a game by tossing toys and having your pup race to put them back. A tidy home and a tired dog – win-win!
17. Play Red Light, Green Light
Just like the classic children’s game, have your dog move towards you when you say “green light” and stop in their tracks when you say “red light”. It’s great for practicing the “stay” command.
18. Sign Up for Classes
From agility to rally obedience, there are many canine sports you and your dog can get involved in. Taking a class together is a fun way to develop your communication skills as a team while giving your pup’s brain and body a great workout.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.